WELCOME TO HOW I Spend My Money, a series on The Journal that looks at how people in Ireland really handle their finances. 

Are you a spender, a saver or a splurger? We’re asking readers to keep a record of how much they earn, what they save if anything, and what they’re spending their money on over the course of one week. If you’re interested, send a mail to money@thejournal.ie. We would love to hear from you.

Each money diary is submitted by readers just like you. When reading and commenting, bear in mind that their situation will not be relatable for everyone, it is simply an account of a week in their shoes, so let’s be kind.

Last time around, we heard from a student on €21K in their final year of college who is planning to emigrate. This week, a self-employed engineering consultant on €120K living in Co Galway.

I am a married father of two living in Galway. My role is currently hybrid, with three days in the office and two days working from home each week. My wife’s role is fully remote since Covid, so this has really worked in our favour with raising the kids. I manage to save €1,000 per month in savings and also invest €500 per month in passive investments. I have managed to be fairly consistent with these for the last two or three years.

Having two sports-mad boys means my hobbies and spare time revolve around taxiing them to training and matches, but I find some time each week to pursue my own sporting interests, such as golf, gym and attending sporting events (GAA and rugby).

My wife and I both contribute monthly amounts (based on our earnings) into the joint account, which we use to cover mortgage, car repayments, groceries, household bills, incidentals for kids, etc. We use shared Revolut pockets to save for things like holidays and weekends away.

Occupation: Self-employed engineering consultant

Monthly pay (net): Around €6,200

Transport: €90 per month on average for petrol, €285 per month for car PCP, car insurance tax = €750 per annum

Household bills: €300 for electricity and gas (average), €70 for broadband and TV

Health insurance: €320 per month

Groceries: €1,000 on average per month

Subscriptions: Netflix, Spotify, Audible – €45, Prime and Ring – €12, Apple iCloud – €3, NY Times – €2

Golf membership: €1,600 per year

Gym membership: €40 per month (€10 pay-as-you-go)

Coffee subscription: €25 per month

Pension: Pension contributions are made by my company to personal pension fund – €25,000 per annum

Savings: €1,000 per month saved in credit union

Investments: €500 per month invested in passive investment (ETFs) and low risk, long term funds

6.35am: Get up, have a shower and get ready for work. I normally WFH on Mondays but I have an update presentation to give to senior leadership, so need to go to the office today. I start the........

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